The Cabbie: Definitive Edition

by Martí Riera Ferrer, Andrea Rosenberg (translator), Art Spiegelman (introduction)

Genres: Graphic Novels

196 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Rex Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Fantagraphics third attempt to publish The Cabbie, by underground Spanish artist, Marti, and this time we get the whole thing. I bought their first publication of it many years ago, with an introduction by Art Spiegelman, and eagerly awaited the next volume which never came. Finally, they decided to give us both parts of the story in one volume.

Done in the style of Chester Gould's Dick Tracy, it deals with the ramrod straight Cabbie (that's his actual first name, Cabbie Fourdoorsedan) as he navigates through a world of pimps, grifters, hookers and the filthy flotsam of society's dregs. It is profane, over-the-top, violent action and degradation that never ceases to entertain. There are a few fanciful elements tossed in: Voices of saints, an immortality potion, turning lead to gold, which add to the weirdness.

I will say that the first part is the better of the two. The second wraps up rather quickly, leaving some questions unanswered. Additionally, the Cabbie is almost a bit player in the second. Even thought it's his story, you can almost forget he's in it, and in fact he didn't really have to be. Most of what goes on would have happened whether he was a character or not. Additionally, the second part deals with the ultra-rich, a world which the Cabbie doesn't really belong, so it seems out of place for him to be in it.

A third Cabbie story is also previewed in the volume, but considering how long it has taken to just publish volume 2 in America, I'm not holding my breath that it will happen any time soon.

[Ian Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure what drew me to read Cabbie, but I enjoyed it. Other reviewers have it spot on when they refer to it as "Dick Tracy meets" whatever other noir they want to compare it to. I found it to be a hilarious and random plot of happenings that somehow wove together to create an entertaining read. There's violent gangster elements, organized crime, sexual oddities, and humor.

I loved the fact that it was once a newspaper strip and in black-and-white. If you love Fantagraphics comics and/or graphic novels that are not for the average Avenger, then Cabbie may be something for you.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say it’s like a mix of Taxi Driver and Dick Tracy. That’s a pretty good description, but also you could call it a mix of Dashell Hammond and Gaspar Noè in the form of those old terrible newspaper strips like Prince Valliant or Mary Worth. Also, add in a sprinkle of Johnny Ryan.

All this to say, it’s profane, surprising, offensive, obscene and absolutely insane. I loved it.

[viy]

it's really good. BUT fantagraphics misprinted a panel in volume 2 in a baffling way and got the page numbering wrong in the contents. all comic editors are bad but sometimes oh man... miffs me off...

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy noir that also seems to keep tongue firmly planted in cheek.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

The art is nice, but I couldn't find a hook that drew me into the story. Lotta coincidence and randomness linked together haphazardly.